7.62x39 Ammo

Originally used in the RPD Machine Gun and SKS Rifle, the
7.62x39mm became one of the most widely produced rifle cartridges due to its
use in the AK-47. Today, the 7.62x39mm is still mostly used in military style rifles, but it is also a very accurate hunting round.

Introduced in 1943, the 7.62x39mm cartridge was originally used in the RPD Light Machine Gun and the SKS Rifle. Soon after, the iconic AK47 entered service with the Soviet Military and secured the place of the 7.62x39 in service for years to come. The cartridge has seen military service all over the world and can also be found in the hands of police and civilian users.

This cartridge has been compared to the .30-30 Winchester in that the bullet diameter and weights are similar. However, the comparison is not wholly accurate. The .30-30 is capable of using heavier bullets and achieves higher velocities. The 7.62x39 is still an effective medium game cartridge that will take deer sized animals out to 200 yards the cartridge is made more effective by easily availible soft point and hollow point bullets.

One major advantage is that the 7.62x39 ammo can be found in virtually any part of the world. It is made by all the major ammunition manufacturers, and is also widely available as a military surplus item. Since the mass production by the Soviets, Eastern Bloc countries and China, AK47’s and SKS rifles have spread to virtually every corner of the world, this in turn has created a great demand for 7.62x39mm ammo. Surplus ammo is a particularly popular item, in that it is relatively cheap and can be found packaged in steel, airtight cases that greatly extends the life of the ammo and protects it from moisture.

When one thinks of a firearm that uses the 7.62x39 cartridge, they normally think of an AK47 or SKS. But there are several commercially available bolt action and single shot rifles chambered for it as well. Using military surplus ammo in these rifles will usually yield better groups than the military rifles. However ammunition companies are aware of the sporting uses of this cartridge and have several choices of premium hunting ammo that will reportedly shoot sub minute-of-angle in the right rifle.

Discuss 7.62x39 ammunition by adding your comment to the 6 comments below or by asking a new question

Paul Petry
( Sat, 09 Mar 2013 21:31:38 +0000 ) : Walmart, Kmart, and Cabela's stores don't have any in stock and the manager told me they have been out for weeks and have no idea when they'll get more. What's up with that?

Raizen Kane said: "I have a Chinese type 56 (SKS copy). TulAmmo is about all I fire out of it. It's inexpensive, powerful, and all around a good buy. The one drawback to it is the fact that steel cased Russian ammo is dirty after the shots go off. I had to spend about an hour cleaning the powder residue and metal fouling from my rifle. But I wouldn't trade that for nothing. Thanks Russia!! You make such great things."

SGriffithUSMC said: "Fired 200 rounds pretty quickly through my AK. Not a single misfire or cookoff. With the sky rocketing ammo prices lately I definelty got a really good deal"

tiki said: "thank you ammo.net you have been great and on time in rough times"

Matt said: "I have been using this ammo for over a year in my AK and I have never had a problem. It is fantastic ammo for target shooting. I have yet to encounter a misfire or any problems and I have gone through thousands of rounds. "

KAWAKID said: "Great ammo. I've shot over 400 rounds and never had a misfire."

Valdez said: "I have used the brand in the past and it still is a good shell. I just shoot at targets but I have to admit I keep a good supply because I don't trust our government. I have worked for the government for 28 years so I have a reason to know."

Neil said: "Tested 40 rounds in a Mini-30, no feeding issues, all fired nicely. Atleast hit a target at 50 yards. Was looking for feeding issues mainly. Had 70% failure rate with TULA stuff. BB was perfect 100%. Price was decent in these times and great delivery time from ammo.net."

TomInJax said: "At the range, I was able to produce nice clean 2 inch groups without a stand or brace. Never had one misfire. TulAmmo seems to have a reputation for making dirty ammo, but the rifle was easy to clean with much less residue than I expected.
I will be ordering more! (Don't tell my wife!)"

M60Gunnr said: "I've never been satisfied with the accuracy of my SKS. I know it's limitations, yet I thought we could do better. We just did.
The Silver Bear ammo consistently grouped tighter and closer to my point of aim than the Tula or Wolf ammo. It's not as easy to find as the other Russian ammo, and usually costs a buck or two more per box. Take the time and spend the extra money.
IMHO, the only step up is the expensive "match rounds" (i.e. Winchester). That'll get you a marginal increase in accuracy for double the cost. The Bear line, made in the Barnaul plant, is simply the best choice."

Country said: "Don't get for AR in 7.62 HP`s do not cycle unless you give the feed channel where the lower meets the barrels chamber a little attention a file and sand paper did the trick after about 10 freaking hrs =(
I gave 4 stars on quality cause I hate steel but oh well just shtf backup ammo I planned on storing Ty Ammo Dot net for speedy service o7"

Jack said: "I tried out a box or two of Tulamo prior to my purchase from you. It works really well in my newly purchased Ruger Mini 30. After sighting in the Ruger it would consistantly blow the center out of a bullseye target at 50 yards. That's what I really wanted it to do."

rockman42 said: "I went to the range to try out my new AK47. The ammo was what I had expected every round fired fine. The biggest problem is that ammo has become very expensive. I very conscious of how much I will shoot."